National Chimichanga Day
September 26
About National Chimichanga Day
National Chimichanga Day is celebrated every year on 26 September, honouring the deep-fried burrito that has become a beloved staple of Mexican-American cuisine. The day invites food lovers across the United States to enjoy this crisp, golden parcel of tortilla and filling, whether ordered at a favourite restaurant or made fresh at home.
How to Celebrate National Chimichanga Day
This is a day made for eating, so here are eight tasty ways to mark the occasion:
- Order a chimichanga from a Mexican restaurant – Support a local Tex-Mex or Mexican spot and let the experts do the deep-frying for you.
- Make your own from scratch – Wrap a flour tortilla around your favourite filling, fold it tightly and fry until golden and crisp.
- Experiment with fillings – Try shredded beef, chicken, pork, beans or a vegetarian mix of cheese and roasted vegetables.
- Pile on the toppings – Finish your chimichanga with guacamole, sour cream, salsa, shredded cheese and fresh coriander.
- Bake instead of fry – For a lighter version, brush your chimichanga with oil and bake it in the oven until crisp.
- Host a chimichanga night – Set up a build-your-own station with tortillas, fillings and toppings so everyone can assemble their own.
- Pair it with classic sides – Serve with Mexican rice, refried beans and a fresh salad to round out the meal.
- Share your creation online – Photograph your golden, crispy chimichanga and post it with the day’s hashtags.
What is National Chimichanga Day?
National Chimichanga Day is an annual food holiday dedicated to the chimichanga, a deep-fried burrito typically filled with meat, beans, cheese and rice. A staple of Tex-Mex and Mexican-American cooking, the dish is prized for its crisp exterior and warm, savoury filling. The day is enjoyed by restaurants, food fans and home cooks who use it as an excuse to indulge in this hearty favourite.
When is National Chimichanga Day?
National Chimichanga Day falls on Saturday, 26 September 2026. It is observed on the same fixed date every year, and landing on a Saturday this year makes it the perfect weekend treat.
The History of National Chimichanga Day
The chimichanga itself is an Arizona invention, though its exact origin is the subject of friendly rivalry. The most repeated story credits Monica Flin, owner of the El Charro Cafe in Tucson, who is said to have accidentally dropped a burrito into the deep fryer in the 1940s or early 1950s. Stopping herself from cursing in front of her customers, she reportedly exclaimed “chimichanga”, a word that loosely translates as “thingamajig” in Spanish, and the name stuck.
A rival claim comes from Macayo’s Mexican Kitchen in Phoenix, which says its founder created the dish in 1946. Both Tucson and Phoenix restaurants have long staked their place in chimichanga history, and the debate has never been fully settled. What is certain is that the dish was born in Arizona and spread across the southwestern United States and beyond.
The national food holiday is a more recent addition. The observance on 26 September was established in 2020 by Macayo’s Mexican Food, cementing the chimichanga’s status as both a culinary favourite and a symbol of Mexican-American food culture.
Fun Facts About National Chimichanga Day
- The word “chimichanga” is widely said to mean “thingamajig” in Mexican Spanish, reflecting its accidental origin story.
- Both El Charro Cafe in Tucson and Macayo’s in Phoenix claim to have invented the dish, a rivalry that has lasted for decades.
- The chimichanga is essentially a deep-fried burrito, turning a soft wrap into a crisp, golden parcel.
- El Charro Cafe, opened in 1922, is one of the oldest continuously family-operated Mexican restaurants in the United States.
- The national observance was formally established in 2020, making it a relatively new addition to the food calendar.
- Chimichangas are most strongly associated with Arizona, where they remain a regional point of pride.
Why National Chimichanga Day Matters
Food holidays like this one do more than give us an excuse to indulge. National Chimichanga Day celebrates Mexican-American culinary heritage, shines a light on a regional speciality with a colourful backstory, and supports the independent restaurants that keep these traditions alive. It is also a reminder of how a happy kitchen accident can become a much-loved dish enjoyed for generations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is National Chimichanga Day?
National Chimichanga Day is an annual food holiday celebrating the chimichanga, a deep-fried burrito filled with ingredients such as meat, beans, cheese and rice. It is a staple of Tex-Mex cuisine.
When is National Chimichanga Day in 2026?
National Chimichanga Day takes place on Saturday, 26 September 2026, and is observed on the same date every year.
What is the difference between a chimichanga and a burrito?
A burrito is a soft, wrapped tortilla, while a chimichanga is essentially a burrito that has been deep-fried until crisp and golden. The frying is what sets the two apart.
Spread the Word
Join the celebration and share your best chimichanga photos on social media with #NationalChimichangaDay and #NationalChimichangaDay2026. Tag your friends and challenge them to take part.
Related Awareness Days
- International Falafel Day – Another beloved fried food with deep cultural roots, celebrated by food fans worldwide.
- National Onion Ring Day – A fellow crispy, deep-fried treat with a dedicated following.
- National Cooking Day – A perfect chance to try making your own chimichanga from scratch.
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